National Guard troops from Long Island are working in upstate New York to help thousands of flood victims.

Officials say the Conklin Fire Department is the command center for one of the hardest hit areas in the state. The National Guard troops say they aid mainly in extracting personnel and surveying damage. However, officials say the amount of damage can?t be calculated until the floodwaters recede further.

More than 3,000 New Yorkers have been forced out of their homes due to the flooding. Many say they are hoping they don?t have to spend Independence Day living in a shelter.